Latest news with #GawaiBazaar
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Bidayuh culture showcased at MJC Batu Kawa's Gawai Bazaar 2025
DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik helps Sagah to put on a 'tambok' basket containing rice. At third left is Gerawat. KUCHING (May 22): Traditional dances and modern Bidayuh music were showcased during Bidayuh Gawai Night held in conjunction with the Gawai Bazaar 2025 at MJC Batu Kawa last night. Popular Serian band Wooden Gun and Lundu singer Rannee Pat brought the house down with their performances, which had the crowd dancing and singing along. There were also traditional dances and music from different troupes representing the various Bidayuh sub-ethnic groups from Serian, Padawan/Penrissen, Bau, and Lundu. There was also a special performance by the Semban Ring Ladies. Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who officiated at the event, praised the event for being a platform to showcase the Bidayuh community's rich cultural heritage. He said the event was among the main activities for the Gawai Bazaar 2025, which is hosted and organised by the Orang Ulu community. 'The Bidayuh community through Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) is given a slot to organise this Gawai night, to showcase our rich cultural heritage. 'I hope those who come to this event will also support the food and handicraft vendors at this Gawai Bazaar by buying items from them,' said the DBNA advisor. DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik helps Sagah to put on a 'tambok' basket containing rice. At third left is Gerawat. Sagah and other distinguished guests also took part in the 'Bilamak' dance, traditionally performed to honour the paddy spirit, which was the finale for the traditional dance segment. Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala – who is the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration organising chairman; Gawai Bazaar committee chairman Paulus Palu Gumbang; Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben; Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil; and Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep. The Iban community will hold their Gawai Night tonight, while the Orang Ulu community's slot is tomorrow night. The closing of the Gawai Bazaar will be on Sunday, with Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom scheduled to officiate. Wooden Gun members perform their hit songs including their latest 'Daari Gap' (Elegant Man). Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 lead MJC Batu Kawa Roland Sagah Wee Inn Wooden Gun
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
From roots to resilience: Bau celebrates 205 years with Tasik Biru Resort City as beacon of heritage, hope
KUCHING (May 15): The launch of Tasik Biru Resort City was brought to life by the enthusiastic participation of Bau residents and local entrepreneurs, who set up stalls featuring a wide variety of local delicacies and traditional crafts. Held in conjunction with Bau District's 205th anniversary, the event also marked the beginning of an 11-day celebration, kicked off with a Gawai Bazaar and a lively Zumba session, reflecting the district's unity, cultural richness, and ongoing development. Once a quiet, remote town, Bau has grown into a symbolic new tourism destination, drawing visitors with its natural beauty and expanding attractions. Among those in attendance was Jennifer Andrew, 44, from Kampung Atas Singai, who marvelled at the transformation Bau has undergone over the last decade. 'We can see many changes in Bau, especially in terms of infrastructure. Back then there were only forests. Now, we have supermarkets, recreational facilities, and better roads,' she said. She added that with better amenities, residents no longer need to travel to Kuching for daily necessities. For Juwina Eldriana, 45, a Bidayuh food vendor at the Gawai Bazaar, the improvements have also brought economic opportunities. 'I've lived here near Tasik Biru since I was a child. I'm so glad to witness such wonderful change. 'People no longer have to go far for jobs as we are now able to start businesses and earn income right here,' she said. Fellow vendor Neda Ojek, 55, from Kampung Sega, who sells traditional handicrafts, noted that Bau's development has drawn more tourists, boosting local trade. 'On the weekends, many visitors traveling to Sarikei make a stop in Bau, whether it is for a meal or just sightseeing. So, the businesses here would always run smoothly,' she said. Bau's evolution reflects more than just physical progress – it is a testament to a community embracing change while safeguarding its heritage. As it marks 205 years of history, Bau stands as a proud symbol of resilience, cultural unity, and sustainable growth, with its eyes on an even brighter future.
Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 returns with 180 stalls, cultural festivities
Gerawat (seated, centre) in a photo-call with members of the Gawai Bazaar organising committee after the meeting. – Ukas photo KUCHING (May 14): The Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025, set to take place for 11 days tomorrow (May 15) till May 25, will feature 180 stalls and a range of cultural activities at the MJC Batu Kawah New Township, said Datuk Gerawat Gala. Gerawat, who chairs the main committee for the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, said the stalls would include those selling to handicrafts, as well as food, beverages, and dry goods operated by the local community. He also announced that the opening ceremony will be officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, with the date to be finalized soon. 'This bazaar not only adds vibrancy to the Gawai Dayak celebration but also serves as a platform to promote local crafts, foster unity, and showcase the rich cultural diversity of the Dayak community,' he was quotes as saying by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) after chairing the Gawai Bazaar organising committee meeting, here yesterday. He added that a variety of cultural and entertainment programmes are also scheduled throughout the bazaar, including the Gawai Idol competition, Ratu Gawai pageant, and the Battle of the Band event. 'These activities are expected to attract participation from youth and members of the public from all walks of life,' he said. 'This bazaar is open to all races. We welcome everyone to join in the festivities while supporting local entrepreneurs,' added Gerawat, who is also Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring). He expressed hope that broader community participation would further highlight the uniqueness of the Gawai celebration as a pillar of unity and cultural heritage in Sarawak. This year, the Orang Ulu community has been given the honour of hosting the celebration, providing an opportunity to showcase their rich customs and traditions to Sarawakians and visitors alike. Gerawat also revealed that the 2025 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak celebration will include several main events, such as the Gawai Tradition Carnival on June 12 and 13 at the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak, Malaysia (FORUM) building in Miri. A Gawai Dayak Parade will be held on June 21 at the Kuching Waterfront which will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The highlight of the celebrations, the Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner, will be held on June 22 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and is expected to be graced by Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. A coffee table book themed around Dayak culture and heritage will also be launched in conjunction with the celebration. community cultural food festival Gawai Dayak Bazaar gerawat gala lead
Borneo Post
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Pre-Gawai event signifies PWOUM's outstanding leadership
Kijan (fifth left) hands over a token of appreciation to Gerawat on stage. MIRI (May 5): The pre-Gawai celebration hosted by Persatuan Wanita Orang Ulu Miri (PWOUM) here on Sunday night gathered over 500 guests. In his address, the guest-of-honour Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala congratulated the association for continuing to be active and visible in Miri and Marudi, playing a meaningful role in community development through various programmes meant for Orang Ulu womenfolk. He credited the association's continued success to strong and transparent leadership, particularly under the present chairwomanship of Kijan Toynbee. 'Kijan is truly a people-focused leader who continues to serve the community even after retiring as political secretary to the chief minister. 'Her passion is clear through her involvement in community-based initiatives that are healthy and inclusive, especially traditional and contemporary dance,' said Gerawat, the assemblyman for Mulu. On the pre-Gawai event, he regarded it as being more than just a festive gathering. 'It serves to strengthen friendships and nurture interethnic unity. 'It is a very healthy activity to promote unity and a harmonious society, which Sarawak is well known for and which is something that we want to preserve.' This year, the Orang Ulu community has been entrusted with the honour of hosting the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, with Gerawat being appointed chairman of the working committee responsible for organising four major programmes set throughout this month. Among the highlights is the Gawai Bazaar, to be held from May 15 to 25 in Kuching, featuring 170 stalls offering various items – from food and beverages, to handicrafts. This May 12 and 13, the Gawai Carnival will be taking place in Miri, marking the first time that such an event is held outside Kuching Division. Apart from food and handicrafts, the carnival will also feature traditional games, cultural shows, and the Orang Ulu Keligit pageant. In support of PWOUM's continued efforts, Miri Mayor Adam Yii pledged RM5,000 to the the organisation, while Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau, who is also Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman, contributed RM10,000. Gerawat also announced an allocation of RM15,000 for the association. Gawai gerawat gala lead Persatuan Wanita Orang Ulu Miri
